New Haven women who are planning to have a child or who may be pregnant will be interested to hear the risks of having a Cesarean section. In general, unnecessary surgery may not be good for the mother or the baby and can cause birth injury.

Despite the fact that C-sections carry a high degree of risk both for the mother as well as the baby, delivery by C-section is very common across the country. According to the American Association of Birth Centers, less than one percent of births take place in birth centers. Mothers may prefer to go to hospitals where a C-section is an option for delivering the baby.

Across the country, C-section rates are very high. Reportedly, in 2010, about one-third of deliveries were performed by C-section. A C-section is more expensive than a natural delivery and it poses a higher degree of complications as well. It was also discovererd that compared with midwives at birth centers, doctors in hospitals usually are very busy and they have less time to see individual patients. This increases the risk of dangers during birth delivery.

An injury to the baby or the mother may occur during a C-section. It may also result in infections and other complications. Doctors and hospital staff need to take all precautionary measures to avoid birth injury. Hospitals are required to evaluate all the pros and cons of a C-section on a case-by-case basis. Unnecessary surgery to deliver the baby may result in developmental disorders and other illnesses. In these cases, complications may occur dueto physician or hospital error.

If the hospital staff is proved negligent and the surgery causes injury or a complication to the baby or the mother, the victims have a right to full monetary compensation. The victim can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking a medical malpractice claim from the negligent party. Victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, disability and other related costs.

Source: Healthland.time.com, “Midwives Say Birthing Centers Could Cut C-Section Rates and Save Billions,” Bonnie Rochman, Jan. 31, 2013